Hole-in-one makes Communi-Tee Golf Classic even more fun

In his 40 years of playing golf, Lakewood Ranch's Robert Carolla never scored a hole-in-one.

 Not until he played in the Communi-Tee Golf Classic, a fundraiser by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities on Sept. 17 at the Calusa Country Club. 

"It was the 14th hole, 182 yards," Carolla said. "It bounced on the green and I didn't know when in. These guys (Steven Leone and Steve Nagy) started yelling that they thought it went in the hole."

Carolla said he thought it ended up somewhere behind the hole, but sure enough it made it in. He was ecstatic. 

The Communi-Tee Golf Classic came to fruition in honor of the 25th year of Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. 

Keith Pandeloglou, president and CEO of the organization, said it made sense for the "organization responsible for bringing the community together" to do a golf tournament, as that is a common fundraiser around the area. 

Pandeloglou said the Calusa Country Club was a cool place for people to connect and explore a place a lot of them had never been. It was also an opportunity to learn about Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. 

"It seemed to be a win-win, and the community responded, because we sold out," Pandeloglou said. 

118 golfers participated in the tournament. Lennar Homebuilders was the presenting sponsor. The money raised will go towards future Lakewood Ranch Community Activities as well as to the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, which awards grants to non-profits. 

John Potocko and Gerry Hause are members of Calusa Country Club and said the event was well-organized and a lot of fun.

"We've been inviting the rest of our neighbors to come play with us, because we can bring guests," Potocko said. "It's been been a lot of fun, super convenient and just a blast."